Rock art: Doreen Spencer

February Joy

Joy in the midst of pain?
I left the house one cold winter evening,
utterly frustrated with all the difficulties
that seemed to be all of life right then.
At the end of our street was an empty lot
covered with six inches of fresh-fallen snow.
I couldn't resist, stepped onto the white blanket
and, as if someone was guiding my feet,
stamped, GOD IS LOVE, into the softness.
And I felt joy.
Not exhuberant waves of joy,
but a quiet pool deep within.
Lewis Smedes wrote joy is the feeling we have
when we realize that at some level it is allright
even when everything is all wrong.
Joy is knowing that it is well with my soul.
Being aware of God's presence brings joy,
and that joy gives us strength to carry on.
Joy slips in when we see God's care in the details
of our lives; when we count our blessings;
when we give thanks despite it all.

A.Fast-Vlaar